PART of an airport tunnel is to close from tonight with a huge diversion in place.

The tunnel on Victoria Avenue, in Yeadon, which has the runway for Leeds Bradford Airport on top of it and is one of the main routes to get to the airport from Bradford and other areas will be shut on one side from 7pm this evening.

The southbound carriageway, heading towards Yeadon, Bradford, and beyond, will undergo surface works for four days.

A huge diversion route is in place for anyone wanting to head south, via Harrogate Road, Pool Bank New Road, then Leeds Road/Otley Road and onto Horsforth to get through to Rawdon.

The Victoria Avenue airport tunnel, in Yeadon, near Leeds Bradford AirportThe Victoria Avenue airport tunnel, in Yeadon, near Leeds Bradford Airport (Image: Google Street View) Works will take place overnight, between 7pm and 6am, until the morning of Sunday, with the road reopening for most of the day.

The northbound carriageway, heading towards the airport and Harrogate is not affected.

Councillors in the area have questioned why this half of the tunnel, which is a dual carriageway, could “not be made two-way for the duration of the works”.

Yeadon City Councillors said on their Facebook page this morning: “We have been sent this information this morning.

“The plus is that the works will only be taking place at night so disruption should be kept to a minimum.

“We do not know why the other half of the tunnel could not be made two-way for the duration of the works nor were we consulted on the suggested alternative route.”

The Telegraph & Argus has contacted Leeds City Council for comment but did not receive a response in time.